Federal Government Nixes Doug Ford’s Toronto Island Airport Expansion After Massive Public Opposition

This is what People Power can do if enough people stand up against  bad government planning

Now how about putting a complete end to Ford’s plan to build a giant ferris wheel ride on Queen Victoria Park lands next to the Horseshoe Falls

A Statement from Tim Gray, Executive Director, Environmental Defence

Posted July 25th, 2026 on Niagara At Large

Toronto, Ontario –This weekend, we’re celebrating a monumental victory for Toronto, our waterfront, and the people that love it.

The federal government’s decision to ground the proposal (by Premier Doug Ford’s government) to expand the Toronto Island Airport to accommodate jets is a triumph for community power and democratic participation.

This wasn’t a consultation. It was a referendum. Eighty-seven per cent of people said no jets, and the federal government listened. You can’t buy our waterfront. We just proved it.

Over three months, thousands of lawn signs went up across the city, thousands of letters landed on the desks of Toronto MPs, and 87,000 people responded to the government’s survey with one clear message: No jets on our waterfront.

This victory proves that Torontonians will not stand by while our waterfront, our parks, and our quality of life are threatened.

Today, we celebrate. Tomorrow, we remain vigilant in protecting the Toronto we love.

ABOUT ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENCE (environmentaldefence.ca): Environmental Defence is a leading Canadian environmental advocacy organization that works with government, industry and individuals to defend clean water, a safe climate and healthy communities.

A Statement from Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow – 

I want to thank the Prime Minister and the Minister of Transportation for listening to the people of Toronto. Thank you to everyone who spoke out, shared your voice, and stood up for our community. Your relentless advocacy has made a difference. Now that this expansion is not moving forward, we are calling on the Province to return the City’s land. Together, we can continue working to build a waterfront for future generations, with new parks, housing and more.

To read a recent post in Niagara At Large on Premier Doug Ford’s plan for a controversial ferris wheel amusement ride on greenspace near the Horseshoe Falls, click on – https://niagaraatlarge.com/2026/07/10/niagara-parks-slammed-for-lack-of-courage-to-say-no-to-doug-ford-over-plan-to-turn-greenspace-near-falls-in-to-an-amusement-park/

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